Putting the move in the context of Sweden’s international relations, the UAE’s Al Khaleej said that Stockholm’s determination to recognise Palestine is a decision that cannot be detached from its ties with the US, and naturally, European Union (EU) countries. “Sweden knows that its relations with the aforementioned nations take priority over its relations with other countries and, therefore, it would not have taken such a step if it knew that the US and EU countries would strongly oppose it.
“Sweden’s recognition of the state of Palestine is a form of pressure on Israeli leaders to not go too far with their barbarism, and it does not mean accepting the Palestinian demands for a solution. The US and EU want a two-state solution, [but] not necessarily a solution that meets the bare minimum demands of the Palestinians. Recognising the State of Palestine is a good step. However, it is not enough,” concluded Al Khaleej.
Describing the Swedish position on recognising Palestine as a noble, progressive and rational step, Oman’s Al Watan said, “The decision is in harmony with resolutions on the international legitimacy of the Palestinian issue and does not contradict the principle of encouraging both Palestinians and Israelis to reach a solution.
“The decision is also ... [in line with] the basis of negotiations voiced by the Israeli occupation [forces] to delay a final solution for the entire Arab-Israeli conflict, not just the Palestinian issue. Sweden’s ...[move] should be a motive for ensuring the success of legitimate negotiations. Therefore, Israel’s rejection of the decision, preceded by the US, means that the Israeli occupation [forces] and their supporters are still betting on the time factor, through negotiations that have proved to be absurd and devoid of any guarantees,” said the paper.
Qatar’s Al Sharq described Sweden’s decision as a courageous and unprecedented European move. It said: “This Swedish stand that sympathises with the Palestinian cause is not unusual. Stockholm had supported Palestine’s bid to become non-member observer state at the UN in 2012. Supporting Palestinian national reconciliation is one of the priorities of the ruling Social Democratic Party in Sweden, a nation that also supports a probe into war crimes committed by Israel and lifting the ...[siege] of Gaza.
“Such a positive step from Sweden, which has severely angered Israeli leaders, makes it the historic responsibility of both the Arab and Islamic community to quickly promote and support this courageous step and to use it as a basis to convince and encourage other European nations and the international community to follow in Sweden’s footsteps. Statements of thanks and approval are no longer enough.”
The UAE’s Al Bayan said: “The recognition is a diplomatic victory for Palestine, which exposed before the international community the fact that the Israeli government is an enemy of peace. The sympathy shown for the Palestinian cause by most countries, as was reflected during the recently held UN General Assembly meeting, indicates that the international attitude towards Israel has changed because it is now clear that it is the one that is hindering efforts to settle the dispute, despite claiming otherwise.”
